Most of us grandfathers have learned more about our wives after retirement than we ever knew before. We appreciated how the house was always clean, the groceries stocked and the bed being made—the kids were clothed and fed and sent off to school everyday. All we had to do was hug and kiss ‘em, and of course attend their activities. What a great life we had before retirement—still better now. She has loved us, and valued us on those awful and unlovable days. She has seen us through the good, the bad, and the ugly and still cherishes us. We know she loves us, but do we realize what it takes to be the encourager in chief? To be the doctor of the house, the janitor, or in many cases the financial caregiver of the family? The work, the stress, the hard days—at times the depression are all concealed by the joy she has in loving God and her family—oh, and of course us.
Come on men. Mother’s Day is May 12th. Have you considered how you are going to honor your wife? That’s right, “HONOR” her. (Ephesians 5:25) Christ explicitly told us that unless we become like one of these children, we would not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew18:3). Children radiate humility and unselfishness when they give to their Mothers. Shouldn’t we? Be an example to your grandchildren this Mother’s Day. Plan a special day for her. Enlist the help of your adult children and grandchildren and plan a way to “totally” HONOR her this year. In her humble spirit she will probably say, “I don’t deserve this honor.” It’s your job to prove her wrong. Make it a day she will never forget.
Andrew Oldham is a Northsider.
